Degrees & Certificates

These courses emphasize the perspective, concepts, theories and methodologies typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics of discussion will stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies and will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. Courses from Administration of Justice, Anthropology, Business, Child Development, Community Social Services, Communication and English, Economics, Education, Environmental Management and Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Health Education, History, Human Services, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology are acceptable. The AA degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences will prepare students for majors at four-year institutions in the social sciences such as anthropology, history, psychology, sociology, or ethnic or cultural studies, among others.

The AA degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the Degree course requirements and the General Education requirements. Since the following degree courses appear on the General Education Course List, they may be used to meet both the degree and the General Education requirements, provided that the total is 37 or more units. A course may be used one time for the degree and one time only for the General Education requirements, even though the course may be listed in several category areas.

The Social and Behavioral Sciences AA Degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of liberal arts and sciences plus additional coursework in an “Area of Emphasis,” in this case, the Social and Behavioral Sciences. This area of emphasis would be an ideal choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California as the student can satisfy their general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to majors at CSU or UC. Please consult with a counselor for specific information regarding your intended major at the specific colleges/university of your choice.

• Choose either option CSUGE or IGETC for the General Education pattern related to your educational goal.
• Complete requirements in Computer Literacy and Ethnic Studies (see catalog for details).
• Complete 18 units in the “Area of Emphasis” outlined below. (NOTE: Courses in the “area of emphasis” may also be counted toward a GE area; those with an (*) are listed in more than one area but may not be counted in more than one area.)
• All courses listed below transfer to CSU. Many courses are also transferable to UC. Refer to www.ASSIST.org for transfer details or see a counselor for additional details.

1Afram 19 is the same as Asame 19, M/Lat 6, and Natam 19; maximum credit: one course.2Envmt 19 is the same as Psych 19; maximum credit: one course.3Envst 76A-D, 78A and 78B are the same as Natam 76A-D, 78A and 78B, respectively; maximum credit: one course.4Each course must be taken for a minimum of 3 units to satisfy Area 2 requirements.5M/Lat 19 is the same as Hist 17; maximum credit: one course.6Afram 38 is the same as Envmt 12; maximum credit: one course

The mission of Merritt College is to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve by helping students to attain knowledge, master skills, and develop the appreciation, attitudes and values needed to succeed and participate responsibly in a democratic society and a global economy.